Your body went through a wild ride when you started breastfeeding. Now that you are nearing the end of this chapter, you might be wondering what comes next.
The changes range from physical shifts in your breasts to the “weaning blues.” It sounds intense, but it is much easier to handle when you know what to expect.
If you have questions about life after breastfeeding, we have you covered. Let’s walk through the transition together.
Key Takeaways
- Timeline: Milk production decreases gradually and typically takes 7 to 10 days to dry up significantly.
- Comfort: Engorgement is common as supply slows; avoid pumping unless necessary to prevent signaling your body to make more.
- Mood: A sudden drop in oxytocin and prolactin can cause sadness or anxiety, often called post-weaning depression.
- Fertility: Ovulation can return before your first period, so plan contraception immediately if you are not ready for another baby.
When Should You Stop Breastfeeding?
The decision to stop breastfeeding is highly personal. Every mother runs on a different timeline.
Some moms stop when their baby starts solid foods, while others continue well into the toddler years. Sometimes the choice is yours, and sometimes medical reasons force your hand.
While there is no strict rule, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) provides general goals for optimal infant health (1):
- First 6 months: Aim to breastfeed exclusively during this window.
- First year: Continue breastfeeding alongside the introduction of solid foods.
- Beyond one year: Keep nursing as long as both you and your baby are happy with the arrangement.
Globally, the average weaning age is around 2.5 years. However, cultural norms vary wildly. Ultimately, you are the expert on your child and your body.
5 Things That Happen When You Wean
If you are ready to stop, you should prepare for the physical and emotional shifts coming your way. Every woman experiences these differently, so keep your doctor or lactation consultant on speed dial if you have concerns.
1. Milk Supply Dries Up
Your body is smart. When you stop removing milk, your system gets the signal to shut down production. This process is known as involution.
The timeline depends on your history. If you have been nursing for a long time, it may take longer to dry up completely (2). Your hormones have been running a factory for months (or years), so they need time to clock out.
Most moms see the bulk of their supply vanish within 7 to 10 days. This happens faster if you drop feedings gradually rather than stopping cold turkey.
Note that you might be able to squeeze out a few drops of milk for weeks or even months after your last session. This is normal.
Any stimulation to your breasts — sometimes even as simple as water running over them in the shower — can potentially prolong the process of milk drying up.
Editor's Note:
Michelle Roth, BA, IBCLC2. Breast Engorgement
Weaning slowly is the best way to avoid pain. However, even with a gradual approach, you might feel fullness or tightness.
You must walk a fine line here. Avoid pumping or expressing a full feed, as this tells your body to make more milk. If you are in pain, express just enough to relieve the pressure. You can also use cold cabbage leaves or ice packs to reduce swelling. Watch out for red streaks or fever, as these are signs of mastitis.
3. The Hormone Crash (Feeling Sad)
Weaning isn’t just physical; it is a chemical change in your brain. When you stop nursing, your levels of oxytocin (the love hormone) and prolactin drop significantly.
This hormonal shift can trigger “post-weaning depression” or general sadness (3). You might feel weepy, anxious, or irritable. Aside from the chemistry, there is also the emotional aspect. Breastfeeding is a major bonding tool. Letting go of that connection feels like the end of an era.
Be gentle with yourself. Replace nursing sessions with other bonding activities like cuddling, reading, or playing to keep that connection strong.
4. Changes in Breast Appearance
Many women worry about “saggy” breasts. The truth is, pregnancy itself stretches the ligaments in your chest. Whether you breastfeed or not, your breasts will likely look different than they did pre-baby.
Genetics, age, and BMI play a larger role in sagging than breastfeeding does (4). However, you might notice a “deflated” look initially. This happens because the milk-producing glands shrink back down, but the fatty tissue that fills out the breast hasn’t returned yet (5).
Give it time. For many women, fatty tissue eventually returns and fills the breast out again, though the shape may remain softer.
5. Return of Fertility and Periods
Breastfeeding suppresses fertility for many women. The hormones required to make milk effectively pause the hormones required to ovulate (6).
Once you wean, that pause button lifts. You can expect your menstrual cycle to return relatively quickly.
Important warning: You will likely ovulate before you get your first period. This means you can get pregnant before you even know your cycle is back. If you aren’t ready for another baby, use contraception immediately.
FAQs
Is it OK to go cold turkey with breastfeeding?
Stopping breastfeeding cold turkey is generally not recommended. It can lead to severe discomfort, engorgement, blocked ducts, and mastitis. A gradual reduction allows your milk supply to decrease naturally, making the process comfortable for you and less jarring for your baby.
What are the weirdest symptoms after stopping breastfeeding?
Some unexpected symptoms include “phantom letdown” (feeling like milk is flowing when it isn’t), acne breakouts due to hormonal shifts, extreme fatigue, and changes in food cravings. Some women also report a temporary drop in libido as hormones rebalance.
What hormones change when you stop breastfeeding?
The two main players are prolactin and oxytocin. Prolactin produces milk, and oxytocin controls the flow (and feelings of love/bonding). Both drop significantly during weaning. Meanwhile, estrogen and progesterone levels begin to rise and normalize as your menstrual cycle returns.
Does drying up breast milk hurt?
It can hurt if done too quickly. You may feel a heavy, throbbing sensation or hard lumps in the breast. Gradual weaning minimizes this pain. If you feel sharp pain, see red streaks, or develop a fever, contact your doctor immediately as this suggests an infection.
Do you gain or lose weight when you stop breastfeeding?
This varies by person. Breastfeeding burns roughly 500 calories a day. If you continue eating the same amount after weaning but burn fewer calories, you may gain weight. Conversely, some women find it easier to lose stubborn weight once their hormones balance out after weaning.
How long does breast milk last after you stop breastfeeding?
You might be able to express a few drops of milk for weeks or even months after your last feed. This is due to residual stimulation or hormonal memory. If you are not stimulating the breast and milk is still flowing spontaneously after several months, consult your doctor.
How long does post-weaning depression last?
For most women, the emotional volatility of weaning lasts a few weeks while hormones stabilize. However, if feelings of sadness, anxiety, or hopelessness persist longer than a month or interfere with your daily life, please speak to a healthcare provider.
